Tag: ECOWAS

…says member states outperformed continent in previous year

The President of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS Commission, Omar Alieu Touray, on Thursday, disclosed that the region is targeting 5% growth in 2026.

Touray, who disclosed this in a meeting with partners, said the region did not do badly in the previous year.

He said the sub-region recorded 4.6% growth, outperforming the continent.

“The annual report that hopefully you will all get indicates that global economic growth has slowed down in 2025, and although inflation eased relatively, uncertainty remains high. Yet in the midst of these global headwinds, Africa, our continent, continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience. Growth is recovering, inflation is declining, and political stability has improved in a number of regions.

“This resilience is also evident within our own community, our own West African community. In 2025, the region outperformed the continental average. Growth was 4.6% and is expected to get to 5% in 2026, and this is for ECOWAS.”

The Commission’s president attributed the growth recorded to the various reforms undertaken by the member states.

He said, “This robust performance is driven by structural reforms, rising investment in mining and energy, improvement in regional trade facilitation, and a strong rebound in services, transport, and tourism. Although inflation remains elevated, we have noticed some fall, and in some cases very sharp fall, and that fall has been helped by coordinated monetary policies and better food supply conditions across member states. Fiscal deficits have narrowed significantly as governments strengthen revenue mobilisation and rationalise public expenditure.

“Our debt-to-GDP ratio has also declined modestly, reflecting strong nominal growth and improved macroeconomic management. Our external position remains sound. The regional current account surplus has strengthened, bolstered by high export earnings from oil, gold, and bauxite, as well as improved primary income balances.”

Touray also disclosed that the commission placed high attention on insecurity in the year under review, stressing that ECOWAS intensified preventive diplomacy, mediation, and democratic support across the region.

He also disclosed that we have registered progress in combating organised crime and terrorism.

He said, “Excellencies, if we look at the various sectors and the various areas of our activity, we will see that in the area of peace and security, our preoccupation remains with growing insecurity that some areas of the region continue to suffer from. Therefore, peace and security remain at the heart of our mandate. In 2025, ECOWAS intensified preventive diplomacy, mediation, and democratic support across the region.

“We also continue to address the implications of the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, while keeping our doors open for constructive engagement. Our Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff completed the rotation of ECOWAS Stand-by Force and reinforced preparations for both the ECOWAS Stand-by Force and the 1,650-strong Counter-Terrorism Brigade. An assessment mission during the year to the Gambia and Guinea-Bissau underscored the need for enhanced training, strengthened monitoring and evaluation, as well as a clear exit strategy for ECOWAS missions in both the Gambia and Guinea-Bissau.

“We have also registered progress in combating organised crime and terrorism. The ECOWAS Commission formally took over the West Africa Police Information System after 12 years under Interpol. However, reduced security cooperation with the AES bloc has complicated counter-terrorism efforts.

“While attacks declined slightly, fatalities increased due to the rising use of improvised explosive devices. To strengthen arms control, the Commission donated weapons marking machines to four Member States, and this seeks to improve accountability and tracing.”

On integration of the region, Touray disclosed that the second phase of the free movement and migration project was launched during the year, and the ECOVISA online portal was also validated.

He added, “Seven of our Member States are now implementing the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card. The seventh one and the most recent one is the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

 “A cross-border cooperation also intensified during the year, benefiting border communities, especially women. Informal cross-border trade data collection has also improved. With Ghana publishing its first national report in 2025.

As a community, we submitted the revised consolidated regional offer on trading services under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement. And nearly all Member States have ratified the African Continental Free Trade Area. Our support to women and youth has yielded some results.”

ECOWAS President also disclosed that no fewer than 1,300 small-scale cross-border traders and 50 women-led SMEs benefited from capacity building, while digital skills training expanded opportunities for rural women.

He also noted that 2025 witnessed the inaugural ECOWAS Trade and Investment Forum and Exhibition as part of the region’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

He said, “Within the Customs Union, we expanded the electronic certificate of origin pilot, advanced tax harmonization, and connected six Member States to the SIGMAT e-hub, which seeks to facilitate and fasten customs procedures. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, ECOWAS continued to place vulnerable populations at the centre of its work.

“We worked hard to strengthen the capacities of women, particularly in conditions of insecurity. We’ve also supported women against anti-trafficking and gender-based violence. Efforts to support women cured of fistula expanded through financial assistance and local production of sanitary products. Over around 8 million U.S. dollars was committed to humanitarian emergencies and disaster risk reduction.”

He also listed other efforts to include drug rehabilitation services, which is expanded to cover 10 centers across the region.

Touray said the region in 2025 carried out educational, technical, and vocational training initiatives.

“With respect to infrastructure, energy, digitalization, and environment, we continue to promote clean, secure, and affordable energy. Under the Pro-Sem2 initiative, regulatory agencies received support to design tariff models and operational guidelines for renewable energy systems. More than 42 million U.S. dollars were mobilized for the Regional Roads Network preparatory studies.

“Preparations advanced for the prior Dakar-Abidjan corridor, supported by the African Development Bank. We also worked to strengthen aviation safety through the establishment of the regional pool of AFSEC experts. In digital connectivity, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Nigeria were identified as regional internet exchange point hubs, and preparations for a second submarine cable were completed.

“Seven member states are now implementing bilateral roaming arrangements. On the environment, ECOWAS advocated globally for the protection of the Upper Guinea Forest and Futa Jalon Highland, and established a regional carbon market framework. Our food security initiatives improved seed regulations, fortified floor reserves, and expanded school feeding to over 30,000 school children.”

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“We also strengthened sanitary and phytosanitary measures and supported women cooperatives to enhance regional agricultural trade.

“With regard to our institutional capacity building, the Commission completed its 2025-2027 medium-term expenditure framework across all institutions and validated the ECOWAS risk management framework. A mid-term review of the community strategic framework was also undertaken.

“Excellencies, now turning to our institutions, you will find that our ECOWAS Court of Justice continues to provide justice within the community. Forty-five decisions were delivered, and the Court also continued its outreach activities. Our West African Health Organization also strengthened epidemic preparedness and procured essential medical equipment”.

He also highlighted the role of ECOWAS in aborting the attempted coup in the Republic of Benin.

“And not only did ECOWAS confine itself to condemnation, but ECOWAS also took drastic measures, very rapid intervention, to send the right message to the world that the region stands for no coup, there is zero tolerance for anti-constitutional behaviour in the region. And we continue to maintain that position,” he said.

On the position of the region in Guinea-Bissau, he said, “The message of ECOWAS was very clear. ECOWAS calls for a short transition led by an inclusive government, and the government must have a limited mandate just to prepare, just to undertake constitutional reforms, electoral reforms, and prepare for free and fair elections.”

On why ECOWAS did not act on the result of the Presidential election in Guinea-Bissau, Touray said the result of the poll was destroyed, and so there was nothing to hold on to.

This, he stressed, explained the decision to give the junta a short transition period. 

Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has urged leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to renew efforts at removing obstacles to visa-free movement across the sub-region.

Dabiri-Erewa made the call on Friday in Lagos while speaking with newsmen during a courtesy visit by Nigerian biker, Judith Amadi, who recently completed a solo motorcycle journey from Lagos to France and back.

She lamented that despite the ECOWAS protocol on free movement of persons and goods, travellers still encounter difficulties at several borders within West Africa.

According to her, the ECOWAS passport was introduced to guarantee seamless travel among member states, but years after its adoption, many citizens continue to face avoidable challenges.

She said while some progress had been made, the issue required sustained attention and public discourse.

“She (Judith Amadi) is not the first to face these challenges; others before her have experienced the same thing. This is an issue that must be brought to the forefront of our ECOWAS leaders because we are supposed to travel visa-free,” Dabiri-Erewa said.

“That is why we have the ECOWAS passport. The challenges still being faced at our borders are issues all the countries involved should look into. I believe they are doing so, but we must continue to tell our stories so everyone remains aware.”

Earlier, Amadi recounted her experience, describing the journey as both historic and revealing. She completed the ride between October 18, 2025, and January 3, 2026, to raise awareness and funds for cancer patients.

She said the two-and-a-half-month journey exposed the harsh realities Nigerians face while travelling within West Africa, particularly holders of the Nigerian green passport.

According to her, repeated border delays, unofficial charges, and excessive stamping requirements slowed her movement across several West African countries, a sharp contrast to her experience travelling within Europe using a Schengen visa.

“Trying to move from one country to another with a Nigerian passport was a huge struggle. I would be asked to wait while someone with a different passport would pass freely,” she said.

“You know the official visa fees, but when you get there, you’re told to pay for stamping and extra documentation that are not part of the official process. We are in a West African community; we’re not supposed to be paying for these things. Movement is meant to be borderless.”

Amadi also cited poor road infrastructure along some African corridors as part of the challenges she faced, but noted that the journey successfully met its advocacy objectives.

She further appealed for greater support for Nigerians living with cancer, stressing the high cost of treatment.

“One chemotherapy session costs between N300,000 and N500,000, depending on the cancer type and stage. How many average Nigerians can afford that? That’s why financial support is critical for patients to complete their treatment,” she said.

…Portuguese envoy marveled by 20th Calabar Carnival.

Calabar, the Cross River State capital, came alive on Saturday as top local and international dignitaries converged for the 20th edition of the Calabar International Carnival, popularly known as “Africa’s Biggest Street Party.”

Among those in attendance were the Portuguese Ambassador, Paulo Santos; Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma; National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and his wife; as well as representatives of ECOWAS. Others included the Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh and his wife, retired military officers, Nollywood actors and several political and business leaders.

While flagging off the event at the historic Millennium Park in Calabar, Governor Bassey Otu charged the participating bands to creatively interpret the theme of the 2025 carnival, “Traces of Time,” in a way that would leave lasting impressions on the global audience.

“The carnival you see today is going to unveil some very explosive outcomes. We want all the bands to understand this year’s theme and interpret it practically and excellently so that the world will continue to remember Cross River State,” Otu said.

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The governor described the Calabar Carnival as a major pillar of the state’s tourism calendar, noting that it represents two decades of ingenuity, resilience, continuity and sustainability. He urged both competing and non-competing bands to refine their performances and give their best, hinting that outstanding displays could earn recognition and elevation.

Otu also used the occasion to acknowledge the contributions of his predecessors, including former Governors Donald Duke, for initiating the carnival; Liyel Imoke, for sustaining it; and Ben Ayade, for ensuring its continuity even during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Earlier, Chairman of the Cross River Carnival Commission, Gabe Onah, said the carnival has significantly boosted the state’s commercial and tourism economy. He announced the presence of delegates from French- and English-speaking ECOWAS countries, the Spanish Consul, the Portuguese Ambassador, as well as other local and international partners.

In his remarks, Portuguese Ambassador Paulo Santos praised the Cross River State Government for the success and consistency of the carnival over the past two decades. He expressed admiration for the organisation of the event and said he would encourage other diplomats based in Abuja and nearby areas to spend their end-of-year holidays in Calabar.

Following the flag-off, revellers took to the 12-kilometre carnival routes, dancing and making stops at designated adjudication points to showcase performances in line with the competition guidelines and the year’s theme.

Conflict Research Network West Africa (CORN West Africa) has commended the appointment of Dr. Habibu Yaya Bappah as the new Commissioner for Internal Services of the ECOWAS Commission.

The Network describes the appointment as a decisive and timely move that will strengthen institutional governance, administrative efficiency, and internal coordination within the ECOWAS Commission.

A statement signed by CORN Executive Director Dr. Timipere Felix Allison said Dr. Bappah’s appointment was a clear signal of commitment by ECOWAS leadership to deepening institutional effectiveness and reinforcing the foundations necessary for sustainable regional integration.

According to Dr. Allison “This appointment is in line with a key recommendation at CORN West Africa’s ‘ECOWAS at 50’ regional conference, held in November, in Abuja, Nigeria.

“At that conference, policymakers, scholars, civil society leaders, and practitioners collectively agreed that as ECOWAS marks its 50th anniversary, strengthening the institution’s internal capacity and governance architecture is central to repositioning the regional bloc for relevance, resilience, and effectiveness in a rapidly changing West Africa.

“In this light, CORN West Africa considers the appointment of Dr. Bappah is a critical step toward translating this consensus into action. Strong institutions remain the backbone of effective regional governance, and capable leadership within ECOWAS’s internal services is essential for delivering on the ambitions of ECOWAS Vision 2050.

“Dr. Bappah is, without a doubt, a seasoned technocrat and accomplished scholar whose professional career spans over two decades, including almost half of that in the executive core of the Commission.

“His extensive experience across finance, political affairs, peace and security, as well as economic and financial integration, positions him uniquely to lead the Internal Services portfolio with the depth, institutional memory, and strategic clarity required at this moment.”

He reaffirms CORN West Africa’s commitment to providing the data, analysis, and evidence that support ECOWAS and policymakers in the region to build a resilient, peaceful, and prosperous West Africa.

He, however, called on all stakeholders to sustain their engagement on addressing the challenges of governance and working towards an ECOWAS of the people in the region.

A diplomatic and legal dimension has erupted in the River Park Estate dispute in Abuja.

This followed the confirmation that Ghana has petitioned the ECOWAS Court over concerns surrounding the treatment of the Ghanaian investment firm, Jonah Capital, in Nigeria.

Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Baba Jamal, confirmed that the country has formally escalated the matter to ECOWAS after earlier efforts to resolve the dispute proved unsuccessful.

Jamal said the issue predated his tenure but that he had participated in meetings where both parties presented their positions.

“We did not want to escalate this matter because we did not want it to affect the cordial relationship between Ghana and Nigeria,” he said, describing the matter as a commercial dispute that had become prolonged.

He confirmed that following briefings to authorities in Accra, Ghana, he submitted a formal petition to ECOWAS.

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“When I assumed office, we briefed Accra, and that led to an official petition to ECOWAS,” Jamal said.

He announced that ECOWAS requested comprehensive documentation, which Ghana is now forwarding.

“I have signed the letter transmitting the official documents and details, which should reach ECOWAS shortly,” he said.

Jamal expressed hope that the dispute would be resolved without further escalation, noting that the matter is now before the ECOWAS Court for adjudication.

Speaking in an interview with Joy TV, Jonah Capital Chief Executive Officer, Kojo Mensah, said the company was surprised by actions taken by Nigeria’s Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), disputing claims that it failed to attend scheduled meetings.

“It came to us as a surprise. The CAC never wrote to us,” Mensah said, adding that his company disputes assertions that it was absent from engagements.

He said the company relied on records, including publicly available video footage, to support its position that its legal representatives were present at the meeting in question.

Mensah also stated that Jonah Capital maintains that its interest in River Park Estate is supported by documentation dating back to 2012.

According to him, these include share certificates, executed transfer forms and correspondence exchanged at the time.

“The share certificates were prepared, and the transfer forms were signed and held by our lawyers in Abuja,” he said, referring to emails and records from 2012 that, he noted, were also submitted to the Nigerian Police during investigations.

He added that the company also has courier records relating to the transmission of the documents.

On whether legal action would be taken against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mensah said no final decision had been made.

He stated that discussions were ongoing following an exchange of correspondence from the authorities requesting that existing agreements be preserved.

“We have raised concerns regarding the termination clause of the agreement and requested further engagement,” he said.